Bright Dental Care

Have you just been prescribed a night guard by your dentist or orthodontist? If so, you may wonder how to adjust to sleeping with it. Read through these helpful hacks for some pointers on how to make getting used to sleeping with a night guard easier and more comfortable.

#1. Get Plenty of Rest

If you’re used to sleeping without a night guard, getting used to having one can take some time. The good news is that there are some hacks to help you adjust!

Getting plenty of rest is essential for everyone, but it’s crucial if you’re trying to adjust to a new sleep aid. Make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, so your body has time to change. Try sleeping on your back or side instead of your stomach. It can help reduce any discomfort from the night guard and make it easier to get used to.

#2. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important things you can do when adjusting to sleeping with a night guard. Not only will it help keep your mouth and teeth healthy, but it will also help prevent dry mouth and other uncomfortable side effects that can come with wearing a night guard.

Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid sugary or acidic beverages that can cause dehydration. Drink water before bed, and keep a glass by your bedside to sip on if you wake up during the night.

#3. Listen to Music as You Fall Asleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping with a night guard, one hack that might help is to listen to music as you fall asleep. And if you still struggle to sleep, talk to your dentist about other options for adjusting to life with a night guard.

#4. Try Keeping a Journal of Your Sleep Patterns

If you have trouble sleeping with a night guard, try keeping a journal of your sleep patterns. It will help you identify any patterns that may be causing you difficulty.

Some things to keep track of in your journal include:

• The time you go to bed
• The time you wake up
• How many hours of sleep do you get
• How well you slept (your energy level the next day, how rested you feel, etc.)
• Any medications or supplements you took before bed
• What you ate and drink before bed
• Any physical activity you did before bed
• Any stressful events that occurred during the day

#5. Practice Relaxation Techniques Before You Go to Bed

If you find that you’re struggling to get used to sleeping with a night guard, there are a few things that you can do to help make the transition easier. One of the best things that you can do is to practice some relaxation techniques before you go to bed. Some great relaxation techniques include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. It can help to ease any anxiety or stress that you may be feeling about sleeping with the night guard.

#6. Limit Your Caffeine Intake

If you like to drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages during the day, consider limiting your intake when you start using a night guard. Caffeine can make it harder for you to fall asleep, which can, in turn, make it more challenging to adjust to wearing a night guard. If you drink caffeine during the day, try to have your last cup at least a few hours before bedtime.

#7. Record the Previous Day’s Events

If you’re new to wearing a night guard, one of the best things you can do is to keep a log of your sleep patterns and how well the night guard works for you. Each morning, take a few minutes to write down what time you went to bed, how many hours of sleep you got, and how rested you felt when you woke up. It will help you track your progress and make necessary adjustments to get the most out of your night guard.

Final Words

Wearing a night guard can be an adjustment, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With these nine hacks, you can make wearing a night guard much smoother and less painful. From desensitizing gel to choosing the right size night guard, these tips will help you get used to sleeping with your new sleep aid in no time.

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